Heartbreaking Louisiana Bicycle Crash Claims Life of Cyclist

Louisiana State Police investigators say a heartbreaking situation happened after 9:30 Friday night as a bicyclist and his passenger were riding down Louisiana Highway 1148 on the westbound side of the roadway when the bicycle was struck by a vehicle.

According to Louisiana State Police Trooper Shelby Mayfield of the Public Affairs Section, the vehicle was driving in the same direction that the bicyclist was traveling on the roadway. For reasons that are still under investigation, the vehicle hit the back of the bike.

The crash claimed the life of 36-year-old Jonathan Harris, and officials say the passenger on Harris' bike was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Harris was pronounced dead on the scene by officials.

Mayfield says investigators found that the vehicle driver was wearing a seat belt, and he was not hurt in the crash. As is typical with a crash, routine toxicology samples were taken to be submitted for analysis at the lab.

Harris was from Plaquemine.

Trooper Mayfield explains the following about Louisiana law when it comes to bicyclists:

• Anyone riding a bicycle has to follow all mandated traffic regulations like any driver
• Cyclists must ride as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road except if they are passing someone or they are making a left turn.

He adds,

Adhering to these laws not only promotes roadway safety but also ensures better understanding between cyclists and other road users in Louisiana. 

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